Sorry it's so late! Need much support- am in total crisis! Look for sequel soon...

No answer- he must be up on deck. Having the privilege of being the only person other that the Captain's steward, Hardy, allowed to enter when the Captain was elsewhere, I slipped in and left them on his desk, under the paperweight, folded away from prying eyes, and went to inform him they was all but ready. He was up on deck, and there was some sort of commotion happening; men setting up equipment, hustling, scurrying... I walked along to the quarter deck, where he and Grange were standing, nodding to the men, who made hurried salutes as I did so.

"Sir?"

"Yes, Westenra?"

"The letters are ready- you need only to check and sign them, sir."

"Very well. Stay here and assist Grange, while I do so. The ladies and Master Nicholson can return them to the Governor to be posted."

The Captain left, and I suddenly had a terrible feeling.

"Which ladies are coming aboard, Grange?"

I asked casually, feeling a sinking sensation in my stomach, that made me wonder if there was a hole in the hull and if so, how fast we were taking on water.

"Miss Eliot Thomas, and Miss Hardy, also Mrs Nicholson. They asked to see the Dominion yesterday, at the ball, I understand. Apparently the Duchess suggested it. Are you completely well now, my dear Westenra? You look a little better."

The first lieutenant; fortuitously for me, was keen to talk, and so did not notice how my face had paled slightly, and I seemed to be vacant for a moment, but I pulled myself together, and we continued to talk. I assisted by supervising the men on one side of the crane. I squashed my apprehension by reminding myself that, whatever happened, they would not intentionally give me away, and that I could go below as soon as the Captain returned.

"Hanes!"

The seaman in front of me was in serious trouble. As I passed him, I had heard him mutter under his breath. And furthermore, I knew exactly what he had said- it was about as uncomplimentary as he could imagine. He sulkily turned back to me.

"Sir?" He made it an insult. I tried not to show my growing apprehension.

"Would you like to repeat that? I heard it the first time, but only a coward mutters. Go on, say it louder."

Hanes looked minorly discomforted, which boosted my confidence, and I laid into him further.

"Go on, man!"

"Sir."

I turned my suddenly contemptuous feelings into a sarcastic smile. It must have been particularly unpleasant, for he took a step back.

"Twas nothing, Sir."

He mumbled this, and I really caught fire.

"Nothing! I heard you as clear as daylight; you pox-nosed...All I can say is that I am disgusted. Your behaviour is noted, and I cannot but help draw comparisons with how French sailors treat their officers. You hear that? You acted like a bloody frog. I am ashamed of you. Go below and report to Mr Byrne, and tell him I sent you."

Hanes started to turn.

"No need to go below. Mr Westenra, I heard every word as clear as bloody daylight too. In fact, if you hadn't spoken up that second, Mr Hanes would be in chains. I too am disgusted with you, Hanes. I always thought better of you. If you were to apologise to Mr Westenra right now, I might, just might, forgive you and try to think of you as a decent Englishman again."

Byrne's face was cold and even I almost quailed before him. Hanes turned sheepishly to me.

"Sir, I wish to apologise. 'Twas the heat; I'm an old fool, sir, please will you forget it?"

I tried to make my face as cold as Byrne's.

"I will forgive you, Hanes, but you'll have to work your back to a dry sweat before I forget. I accept your handsome apology."

Hanes knuckled his forehead, and skulked below. Byrne turned to me, a warm smile coming over his face.

"You're really back to full health now, eh? Come along, Jack, the ladies'll be aboard in ten minutes. Captain Wendon's passed the word for you first, though, I'm to stay and assist Grange."

I thanked him, and went below, pondering the curious incident. Perhaps the hot weather was fraying tempers? Hanes had always previously treated me with respectful cheerfulness- why a change now? It boded ominously. But for now, a more immediate problem- the presence of my particular friends Hannah and Catherine, and if they would give me away. What was the Duchess thinking?

Entering my room, I inspected myself in the smallish shaving mirror I had brought aboard in a time that seemed so long ago. I was fairly well disguised, but if Hannah or Catherine looked too closely, they'd have me in a hot second. Time to grow a little manly five o'clock shadow, have my hat pulled low, and a stain on my hand- the stain served a double purpose. Firstly, it could be used as an excuse to go below if needed; secondly, it would distract the eye from my face if displayed openly. It could also be explained away as a healing wound if need be- it was reddish in colour. I applied my disguise carefully- I was becoming quite the expert! Then I took another look. Much better- my extraordinarily smooth skin was hidden, my eyes and hair were hidden, and the stain was perfect. I changed coats (everyone was in their dress uniform) and made my way slowly back on deck.

Hannah was already aboard, having been swung up by the lubber's chair, talking informally to Byrne, awaiting formal introduction after the arrival of the other guests. I slipped over by one of the lesser lieutenants and the midshipmen, and pretended to be keeping a weather eye on their behaviour, which wasn't difficult- they were all gaping at my friend. Hannah was, I noticed, looking very well today, calm, relaxed, beautiful and vibrant. Her curls had been piled on her head in a delicate arrangement that really suited her face shape. I made a note to tell her someday.

At that moment, my attention was removed to the chair, which came wobbling back over, containing Catherine, who smiled shyly around when she landed, being helped by Lieutenant Grange, and going off to find Hannah and Byrne and join them talking. The chair returned for the Duchess, and I was left to look at Catherine and see how she was doing.

She was not looking so well as Hannah, but she was looking her normal, pretty self, which was much more beautiful than most girls her age in the civilised world. She was wearing a lovely dress, white muslin accented with lace and braid, which Byrne appeared to appreciate. I smothered a grin at this- she almost caught him watching her, but the swaying Duchess distracted him at that moment.

The Duchess arrived without so much as a modicum of fuss or dismay, and began, as usual, to organise the three of them. She sashayed over to the Captain, and proclaimed loudly how very glad she was to see him again, and might she have the honour of presenting...? After Hannah and Catherine had been re-introduced, Captain Wendon asked if he might introduce his officers, and one by one, Lieutenants Grange, Byrne and so on were introduced. I shuffled forwards and bowed low over Hannah's hand first, then Catherine's, murmuring 'A pleasure' to each.

My disguise must have worked. Neither gave me more than a second glance. I was pleased- hopefully, I could soon escape below. We would see.

I was helped a great deal by the Duchess, who monopolised my conversation, along with Grange, leaving Byrne and my Captain to enjoy the company of Catherine and Hannah. I think everybody apart from myself was satisfied with the arrangement. Why, you might ask, was I so unhappy? Well, at first I did not know myself.

Then, very slowly, and rather idiotically, it dawned. I was jealous. Extremely jealous, in fact, that they seemed to be having such fun without me. Neither Hannah, not Catherine had mentioned my name since they came on board, and I was missing the limelight I had been showered with when in my true incarnation. I longed to see Jam...Cap'n Wendon's eyes light up in pleasure at seeing me, and hearing him speak to me as an equal, in intelligence, birth, education and wit. I suppressed an ironic inward smile. It was not silly to feel so- he was an attractive man, and our friendship onboard was very different to the friendship that we had begun at the ball. Extremely different- and how well it was, that it was so!

Soon the ladies had departed, and the Cap'n sent us all down to change out of our best. Within ten minutes of the last dainty passenger's foot touching the quayside, we were hauling up the anchor, and setting off on a course for the infamous Spanish harbour known as 'Conrad Bay'.

End of Part I

Thanks go to all of my lovely reviewers! In particular-

Blondeducky...Where would I be without?

Agnes Wolf...Your encouragement and emails have pushed me to strive harder!

Suppi Cat...You were wrong about some of the stuff in your review, but the correct corrections were so appreciated! Maybe we could email and sort out what we know? Let me know- I'm very interested to talk to a fellow scholar!

Sweet A.K...You were very encouraging when I really needed it!

I oculdn't have finished it without you all! And yes, there is more to come!